Evidence that human activities influence
the global climate system continues to accumulate. Data
indicate that Earth's surface temperature is rising.
This increase can be attributed, in part, to human-caused
increases in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
It is becoming apparent that these climatic changes
are negatively affecting physical and biological systems
worldwide.

NREL

Carbon dioxide and other
pollutants result from the burning of coal
to produce electricity.

Warren
Gretz, NREL

Electricity
generated at power plants is carried by
power lines to users, sometimes hundreds
of miles away.

Warren Gretz, NREL

The
burning of gasoline by automobiles releases
carbon dioxide and other types of air pollution
that contribute to global climate change.

Dr. Edwin P. Ewing, Jr.,CDC

Pollution created by human
activities is particularly evident around
the world's largest cities.